The Writing Exit Exam: What You Need to Know About the MCE & ICE.

The Writing Exit Exam: What do you already know about the MCE/ICE? What can you do to pass the test? How is the MCE/ICE graded? How and when will you get your score?

What Do You Already Know About... Registration? Bring an unmarked blue book to the Testing Center to sign up for a time slot. You can take the test April 12 th or 13 th (first opportunity) and April 26 th or 27 th (second opportunity). Sign-up for the time of day when you will be most alert and energetic! Skipping class to take the exam is unacceptable.

What Do You Already Know About... Test Day? Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Bring valid ID and your own pens. Bring your course number and instructor’s name. (If you request the wrong prompt, your exam will not be graded.) The instructor will hand you the writing prompt and a blue book, and tell you when to begin.

What Do You Already Know About... Testing Conditions? During the test, you will show consideration for other test takers: Eat or drink before (not during) the test. Use the restroom before the test. Have supplies ready before the test begins to avoid distracting others with rummaging. For the same reason, unwrap cough drops, etc., before the test, and place them on a napkin on your desk.

What Can I Do to Pass the Test? Relax and give it your best effort. Push yourself to use all of the relevant words and ideas you know, and don’t use what you don’t know. Make sure your essay is logical and clear. Start writing only when you know what you are going to write! Use all of your time well. Here’s how:

Step to Success #1: Brainstorm. Think about the prompt and the directions. Make sure you completely understand both before you start working. Take 5 min. to brainstorm: jot down every piece of information you can think of about the assigned topic. Take another 2-3 min. to consider the prompt and cross out anything irrelevant. Group the items you are keeping.

Step to Success #2: Pre-write. Create a thesis statement that answers the prompt (2 min.). Write a topic sentence for each group of ideas you brainstormed during step 1. Organize the groups into the order you will develop them in your paper (15-20 min. for this and the topic sentences). You are now 30 min. into your 2 hours.

Step to Success #3: Write. (1 Hour). Skip the “rough draft.” (Re-copying can cost you. It takes lots of time, and doubles your opportunity to make mistakes!) While you’re writing, draft your essay fully, without stopping. Skip lines and cross through any mistakes once (no white out).

Step to Success #4: Edit. (30 Minutes). Edit for clarity first: topic control, transitions, etc. Read the paper (silently) as if aloud. Be extra careful with “red flag” areas: sentences/paragraphs that cross pages, anyplace you changed something, and your known weak points. Proofread: look for a specific error type. To check spelling, read backwards.

How Is the MCE/ICE Graded? The Process. Two faculty members will each read and assign a score to your essay. Neither grader will make any marks on or corrections to your essay. No instructor will score his/her own students’ essays. Graders do not expect a timed essay to be “polished” to perfection. However, this is a writing exam, so...

How Is the MCE/ICE Graded? ”Does spelling count?” You are graded on the structure, clarity, and logical flow of your writing. Also, the appropriateness of the words and examples you include in addressing your audience is very important. Spelling, word usage, and punctuation all count. Deductions for spelling & punctuation are made with attention to complexity and content.

How and When Will You Get Your Score? Your instructor will return your blue book to you with your score on Tuesday or Wednesday of the week of the exam. If you need to re-take the exam, re- register at the testing center (you need to bring another blue book with you). Make sure to examine your first essay with your instructor! Take the initiative.

You Can Succeed. We Can Help. Stop by your El Centro College Learning Center (A350) for more information on success skills and subject-specific tutoring. Monday – Thursday 8:00 – 8:00. Friday 8:00 – 4:30 Saturday 10:30 – 2:30